The PA Is In | Tracy Bingaman | Physician Assistant/Physician Associate/PA-C/PA-S/PA Student

Stress is part of the job—but how we respond to it determines everything. In this first episode of a two-part series on stress, host Tracy Bingaman, PA-C, breaks down the maladaptive ways healthcare professionals often try to cope with stress—and why they don’t actually work. 🎧 Inside this episode, you’ll hear: The difference between stress and stressors Why your stress cycle stays “incomplete” e...

For many healthcare clinicians, MSL sounds like a unicorn job. But how do you actually break into such a competitive industry? What’s the day to day life like as an MSL? What do you need to know to set you apart from other applicants? Don’t you wish you had a step by step guide to walk you through the process and share insider tips for success? Well that’s exactly why my guest is on today’s podcas...

Welcome to The PA Is In, the show created by PAs for PAs, where codependency with your Supervising Physician is a thing of the past, optimal team practice is the future and Physician Associate has taken the place of Physician Assistant as the professional title of choice.  I’m Tracy Bingaman and I’m obsessed with redefining what success as a PA looks like AND what it feels like.  Here you’ll find...

What happens when your heart is tired—but you still have to show up and care? In this episode of The PA Is In , we’re diving into a topic that quietly erodes the joy and empathy we bring to our roles as clinicians: compassion fatigue . Host Tracy Bingaman, PA-C and clinician career coach, defines what compassion fatigue is, how it differs from burnout, and why it's so prevalent in healthcare s...

Prostate cancer screening isn’t just clinical—it’s personal. Especially when headlines make it political. In this episode Tracy breaks down the buzz around President Joe Biden’s recent prostate cancer diagnosis—and uses the moment to teach, clarify, and contextualize what it really means to screen for prostate cancer in 2025. As a former Urology PA, Tracy brings her clinical experience and clear c...

I adore any conversation where we passionately discuss what truly matters and how to create a life that integrates what we truly value. That’s what this episode is all about! My guest, Jono Lippman, and I discuss how we can create jobs we love as PAs and healthcare providers, including how to ensure proper boundaries are in place so that your life outside of work is full of meaning and value. Jono...

Back from the AAPA 2025 National Conference, I’m sharing what no agenda or brochure could capture—the very real reasons I left feeling energized, encouraged, and deeply hopeful for the future of the PA profession. I’m walking you through my six biggest takeaways from AAPA 2025. From late-night hotel conversations and panels on entrepreneurship, to passionate PA students and powerful hallway discus...

Brief BTS episode drop! In this heartfelt, off-the-cuff moment, Tracy reads and reflects on two memos: the one we were silently handed when we entered medicine—and the one we’re rewriting together. The original memo told us to sacrifice ourselves, ignore our needs, and equate burnout with devotion. But what if we could write a new one? This isn’t just about rewriting words. It’s about rewriting th...

Do you find lipids fascinating? Exciting? Full of whimsy? My guest today does and after listening to this episode, I think you will, too (at least a little bit)! Josh Wageman is a prior physical therapist turned physician associate. He works as a Clinical Lipid Specialist and formerly practiced in Endocrinology prior to transitioning to a Medical Science Liaison. His PhD work focused on cholestero...

The 6-Step System to Choose the Perfect Side Gig Thinking about starting a side hustle but overwhelmed by the options? In this episode, Tracy walks you through her tried-and-true 6-step framework to help you choose a side hustle that aligns with your time, energy, goals, and skillset. Whether you’re looking to earn an extra $500/month or pivot entirely from clinical work, this guide will help you...

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to work as a locums tenens or traveling PA? Do you have questions about how being a 1099 employee actually works when it comes to your paycheck and taxes? What does it mean to be an independent contractor? My guest, Fedna Morency, is here to answer all these questions and more! Fedna has been a PA for 11 years, with 8 of those years as a locums PA.  In...

So, you joined Sermo… but what now? Whether you’re in it for clinical connection, cash, or community, Tracy Bingaman breaks down exactly how to make Sermo work for you. From how she casually earned $1,200 with the app, to setting notifications, updating your profile, and using it as a powerful resource for APPs, this is your go-to guide for getting started (and getting paid). What You’ll Learn: Wh...

Are you thinking about making the leap from a W2 job to being self-employed? Do you want to start your own business on the side while still working as a clinician? Are you ready to build your own business and become an entrepreneur? If so, then today’s episode is for you! I have Caleb Pepperday, Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Consultant as my guest. Caleb is back to discuss hi...

The Missing Manual for Medical Writing: Behind the Scenes of WriteCME Accelerator Ever wondered who creates the CME credits you earn? Or how to get started as a freelance medical writer in this niche but high-paying field? In this special behind-the-scenes episode, Tracy shares the exact kind of opportunity she wishes existed when she was first building her coaching business: a clear, strategic, s...

Conferences are packed with potential—but only if you show up with a plan. In this episode of The PA Is In , Tracy shares five simple, impactful steps to help you get the most out of your next conference experience, whether you’re attending for CME, connection, job hunting, or just a fresh dose of inspiration. You’ll learn how to clarify your goals, build an intentional schedule, prioritize rest (...

I always enjoy discussing Unicorn positions with other clinicians - jobs they’ve found that light them up, utilize their skills, and align with their core values. I especially adore learning how clinicians have made the leap from clinical jobs to non-clinical careers. My guest today did just that! Dr. Alexandra Howson started her career as a trauma nurse before transitioning into academia. But for...

What if your income didn’t rely on just one paycheck? In this episode of The PA Is In , I’m pulling back the curtain on the 7 ways I’ve made money—both as a practicing PA and outside of traditional medicine. From PRN surgery coverage and one-on-one coaching to podcast sponsorships and paid speaking gigs, you’ll hear exactly how I’ve diversified my income over the years. Some streams were short-liv...

There’s a lot of noise out there about “scope creep” in healthcare. But instead of letting fear and false narratives distract us, it’s time to shift our focus to what really matters. In this episode, I’m breaking down five powerful areas where PAs should be putting their energy: Building strong, trust-based patient relationships Investing in ongoing professional development Cultivating mentorship...

How to Make a Part-Time Pivot Without Risking Your Financial Stability Going part-time sounds dreamy—more freedom, flexibility, and control over your life. But if you’re the primary income earner or your family relies on your paycheck, the idea can feel more like a terrifying leap off a financial cliff than a gentle pivot. In this episode, Tracy breaks that leap down into manageable, bite-sized st...

Proven Strategies to Earn More While Working Less What if cutting your hours didn’t mean cutting your income? In this episode, Tracy unpacks exactly how to negotiate your compensation when you make the leap to part-time work—and spoiler alert: you can earn more while working less. Most clinicians default to accepting prorated salaries without question, but that doesn’t have to be your story. There...

A Mindset Exercise to Help You Make the Right Decision with Confidence You’re staring down a big decision—going part-time. And with it? A mountain of fear and doubt. What if you regret it? What if it messes with your finances or your identity as a healthcare provider? What if you can’t go back? These fears are totally normal—but they don’t get to drive your decisions. In this episode, Tracy walks...

Thinking about going part-time? Pause right there. Before you submit your request or fantasize about slow mornings and midweek hikes, there are 4 critical conversations you need to have first—because adjusting your schedule isn’t just about hours. It’s about your identity, finances, career trajectory, and relationships. In this episode, I’m giving you the blueprint to transition with clarity, conf...

I’m continuing our Back to Basics money series with PA and financial guru, Sarah Miller. Today, Sarah and I discuss all types of savings goals. Whether you’re saving for a short-term goal, medium-term goal, or long-term goal, we cover it all.  Sarah defines what constitutes these different types of goals and gives examples for each. She also discusses where we should be keeping the money for each...

How to Financially Prepare for a Smooth & Stress-Free Transition to Part-Time Work Dreaming of part-time work but worried about the financial impact? In this episode, we’re breaking down the 5 essential financial checkpoints you must review before cutting back your hours. From managing debt and budgeting smartly to evaluating your emergency fund and retirement contributions, you’ll get a step-...

 Think going part-time means slashing your salary? Think again. In this episode, I’m busting the biggest myth about part-time clinical work—that you have to earn less.  I’ll walk you through creative ways to get paid that aren’t salary, from hourly rates and RVU-based pay to bonuses and side gigs. You’ll learn how to structure your compensation to increase income, maximize flexibility, and negotia...